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American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout
Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event. Encourage someone you know to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. By quitting – even for 1 day – smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.
Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Yet, 40 million American adults still smoke. The most important thing smokers can do to improve their health is to quit cigarettes and other forms of tobacco.
At the same time, we know tobacco is one of the strongest addictions one can have. We used to encourage smokers to quit cold turkey on a single day. We now know that quitting is a process. It starts with a plan, often takes time and requires a lot of support.
Use these tips to help you get through your quit day and beyond:
- Try to avoid all people, place, things, and situations that make you want to smoke.
- Take things one day, one hour, one minute at a time.
- Throw away all your lighters, cigarettes, and ashtrays.
- Change your routine to avoid things that remind you of smoking.
- Get plenty of rest and eat healthy.
- Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol, coffee, or any other drinks you link with smoking. Try a different low- or no-calorie option instead.
- Spend as much free time as you can in public places where smoking is not allowed.
- Go for a walk. Exercise can improve your mood and relieve stress
Take the first step today by calling Sabrina Gonzalez at 617-989-3274 for personalized counseling sessions at no cost in English or Spanish. If you are not ready to quit right now, that’s ok too. She can help you set a quit date in the future and talk about medications you can take to help you quit.